Latest news with #Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan
AllAfrica
a day ago
- Business
- AllAfrica
Trans-Afghan peace train pact puts trade over turmoil
On July 17, 2025, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan signed a trilateral Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project during a high-level meeting in Kabul. This agreement marks a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration by linking Central Asia with South Asia through a strategic rail corridor. The planned route will pass through Termez in Uzbekistan, Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan and enter Pakistan via the Khyber Pass, ultimately connecting to Pakistani seaports. All three countries reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful cooperation, enhanced trade and shared regional prosperity. The railway is envisioned to facilitate both passenger and freight services while supporting bilateral, regional and transit trade. The Trans-Afghan Railway, initially proposed in 2018, is projected to span over 700 kilometers across Afghanistan and drastically reduce transport time from Central Asia to the Arabian Sea from several weeks to just a few days. Upon successful completion, the railway is expected to carry up to 20 million tons of cargo annually, establishing a vital trade corridor between Central Asia and seaports. This would significantly lower shipping costs, enhance trade efficiency and provide Afghanistan with much-needed transit revenue. The project has drawn interest from international stakeholders, including Russia, Iran and financial institutions, though political instability and funding gaps, especially within Afghanistan have posed challenges. Nonetheless, the recent trilateral agreement signals renewed momentum and a strong political will to move the project forward. Afghan officials have welcomed the development as a critical step toward regional economic integration, emphasizing that improved infrastructure could contribute to long-term stability and development in Afghanistan. UAP Trans-Afghan Railway project holds profound strategic significance for all of Eurasia, promising to transform the region into a hub of trade, connectivity and cooperation. By linking Central Asia to Pakistan's southern ports, the corridor will not only facilitate access to global markets but also play a pivotal role in Afghanistan's economic recovery and integration. The trilateral collaboration between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan signals a shared vision for regional prosperity, where economic interdependence can help ease political tensions, foster trust and promote long-term stability. As the railway progresses, it is expected to generate thousands of jobs, spur infrastructure development and stimulate key sectors such as agriculture, textiles, construction and logistics. Uzbekistan's commitment to expanding trade ties and enhancing the role of the Termez International Trade Center further underscores the project's potential to become a cornerstone of regional growth and peacebuilding. As part of the next phase of the UAP Railway Project, the three partner nations have agreed to establish a Tripartite Coordination Committee to oversee technical studies, finalize financing models, and manage the overall implementation of the US$4.8 billion project, targeted for completion by 2027. More than just a physical infrastructure initiative, the railway is envisioned as a 'bridge of trust,' reshaping trade routes, unlocking the region's vast economic potential, and fostering political goodwill. Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hailed the agreement as a 'significant milestone' in regional diplomacy, highlighting the deepening cooperation that also led to the recent restoration of full ambassadorial-level ties between Kabul and Islamabad. Although not formally part of the agreement, China has quietly supported the initiative, viewing it as a complementary extension of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Its involvement underscores both Beijing's commitment to regional connectivity and the diminishing role of India in post-2021 Afghanistan. The UAP Railway aligns closely with Pakistan's strategic objective of transforming itself into a vital trade and transit hub connecting Central Asia, China and the Middle East. With growing cooperation with Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, Pakistan is creating new geopolitical space to rebalance its regional posture. This shift enables Islamabad to focus its geopolitical bandwidth more effectively on pressing challenges along its eastern front, particularly its complex relationship with India. The strengthening of western ties through economic corridors not only boosts Pakistan's regional standing but also contributes to long-term stability by integrating fractured economies, reducing mutual mistrust, and promoting shared prosperity across the broader Eurasian region. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, during his second visit to Kabul in three months, also held high-level talks with Afghanistan's acting leadership, including Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The meetings underscored the growing momentum in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, trade, and regional connectivity. Emphasis was given to sustained cooperation to unlock economic opportunities and ensure long-term prosperity across the region. In his discussions with the Afghan leadership, Dar emphasized the importance of addressing key issues, including security, border management, and transit cooperation, stressing that resolving these matters was vital for realizing the full potential of regional integration. The reaffirmation of earlier commitments, including those made in April 2025, reflected a mutual desire to maintain high-level engagement and strengthen bilateral ties in pursuit of common goals. In a nutshell, the UAP Railway Project represents more than just a transport initiative; it is a blueprint for regional transformation through economic integration, strategic cooperation, and mutual trust. While the recent thaw in Pakistani-Taliban relations has provided fresh momentum to expedite progress on the railway, the fragile nature of this détente amid ongoing cross-border militant activity remains a key challenge. Nevertheless, if the current truce between Islamabad and Kabul holds, it could mark a turning point, bringing the three nations significantly closer to realizing a project that promises to reshape trade routes, stimulate economic growth and solidify their roles as vital transit hubs. By investing in connectivity and sustaining political engagement, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan are laying the groundwork for a more stable, prosperous and interconnected Eurasian region where infrastructure serves not only economic goals but also peacebuilding and regional trust. Saima Afzal is an independent and freelance researcher specializing in South Asian security, the Middle East, Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. Her work focuses on geopolitical developments, strategic affairs and regional conflict dynamics.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Afghan acting FM to visit Pakistan for high-level talks next month
ISLAMABAD: The Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is expected to visit Pakistan early next month along with a delegation for high-level talks for expansion of bilateral economic, trade and political cooperation and reduction of bilateral tension, reliable sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) revealed on Monday. This would be Muttaqi's first visit to Pakistan in two years, highlighting the uptick in high-level exchanges between the two neighbouring countries during recent months. Sources said that the final dates for the visit are currently being worked out by Islamabad and Kabul. The visit follows an invitation extended by Deputy Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, during his visit to Afghanistan on April 19. Muttaqi's visit will help further promote and strengthen bilateral relations. The ties between Islamabad and Kabul remain tense due to surge in terrorism from across the border. Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistan to stop use of its soil against Pakistan and dismantle Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts. It is worth mentioning here that the two leaders have met several times during last couple of months, including in Beijing, where China hosted an informal trilateral meeting aimed at strengthening Pakistan-Afghanistan ties and promoting regional connectivity. They also held discussions in Istanbul on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting late last month. In a substantial diplomatic development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to elevate their Charge d'affaires to the level of ambassadors. Pakistan has upgraded Ubaidullah Nizamani to the rank of full Ambassador, while Sardar Shakeeb has been elevated to Ambassador in Islamabad in a tit-for-tat move. Pakistani Foreign Minister Dar also paid an important one-day visit to Kabul last week, accompanied by a high-level Pakistani delegation. During the visit, he held extensive talks with top Afghan leadership on the sidelines of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Framework Agreement discussions. Leadership of Pakistan and Afghanistan has agreed to elevate the relationships to new heights. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Asia News Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- Asia News Network
Pakistan Interior Minister discusses counterterrorism in Kabul meeting with Afghan counterpart
July 21, 2025 ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday discussed counterterrorism efforts in a meeting with his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul. The visit comes after a series of steps between both nations to improve ties, such as the revival of the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and the upgrading of each country's diplomats from the rank of chargé d'affaires to ambassador. Both countries also held the inaugural round of the Additional Secretary-Level Mechanism talks earlier in the month. 'Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi holds an important meeting with his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani,' the Interior Ministry said in a post on X. Naqvi was warmly welcomed by interim Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani upon arrival at the Afghan Ministry of Interior, the post said. 'Discussion on bilateral relations, particularly counter-terrorism, infiltration, and the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban [Pakistan],' took place, according to the interior ministry. Effective management of the Pak-Afghan border, prevention of narcotics, and mechanisms for regulating cross-border movement were also discussed, the post said. 'Terrorist organisations are causing chaos and instability; We must stop them together,' Naqvi was quoted as having said to his counterpart. 'Pakistan has selflessly hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades; the doors are open for the legal entry of Afghan citizens,' the interior minister said. The process of repatriation of Afghan citizens illegally residing in Pakistan was also a subject of the conversation between Naqvi and Haqqani. Afghanistan's Senior Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sardar, Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha and other senior diplomatic officials were there as part of the country's delegation. Officials from the Afghan Ministry of Interior were also present on the occasion. Earlier in the day, Naqvi arrived in Kabul on a day-long visit to Afghanistan, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. On his arrival at the Kabul airport, Naqvi was received by Afghan Interim Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Nabi Omari. Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities over the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the proscribed TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. Earlier in the week, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project in Kabul. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had made the announcement in a post on X from Kabul, where he had arrived on a day-long visit for the signing. On Wednesday, the UN special representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, proposed a 'prioritised' regional dialogue with Pakistan, Iran and Central Asian states to halt the disorderly return of Afghans and uphold the principle of voluntary, dignified and safe repatriation. On Friday, security forces foiled PTV News reported.
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan, Afghanistan vow to strengthen security, address cross-border concerns
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar called on Afghanistan's Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul on Thursday, where the two sides held in-depth discussions on regional security cooperation and border management. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the signing ceremony for the framework agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Corridor, a landmark regional connectivity project aimed at linking Central Asia to Pakistani seaports through Afghanistan, the Foreign Office said on X. During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the importance of eliminating security threats in the region and emphasised the need for close cooperation to maintain peace and stability. Dar stressed the critical importance of addressing all issues of concern, particularly related to security and border management, to unlock the full potential of economic cooperation and regional integration. The discussion comes against the backdrop of Pakistan's recent efforts to deepen strategic and security cooperation with international partners. The engagement came shortly after Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan signed the framework agreement for the Naibabad-Kharlachi rail link, a major milestone in the UAP Railway Project. Representing Pakistan at the Kabul ceremony, Dar called the project a 'transformational' step toward regional economic integration. He also credited the previous PDM government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for laying the foundation of the initiative during his tenure as Finance Minister. As part of the same visit, Dar also met with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both sides agreed to maintain momentum in bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in trade, transit, and security to support shared regional goals. During that meeting, both sides agreed to explore the inclusion of enhanced security-related aspects within their Strategic Engagement Plan and reaffirmed a shared commitment to diplomacy, multilateralism, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan sign rail link agreement under UAP corridor
Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan on Thursday signed a framework agreement for the joint feasibility study of the Naibabad-Kharlachi rail link, marking a significant step forward in the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Corridor project. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the signing ceremony held in Kabul. FM Dar to visit Kabul today to sign feasibility framework of tri-nation rail project He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Minister for Railways, the Special Representative for Afghanistan, and senior officials from the Ministry of Railways. In a post on X, Dar congratulated the governments and peoples of the three countries, describing the UAP Railway Corridor as a 'major milestone in advancing regional connectivity and economic integration.' He said the corridor would connect Central Asian countries to Pakistani seaports through Afghanistan, boosting trade and transit across the region. Dar also thanked Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi for their 'support and commitment' during the negotiation process. 'The signing of today's agreement is a result of the leadership and commitment of the last PDM Government (2022-23), under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, when I was tasked as Finance Minister to lead this effort with our brotherly countries,' Dar added. Inter-regional rail track finalized to connect Pak, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan On the sidelines of the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister met with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. According to the Foreign Office, both sides called for strengthened efforts to maintain momentum in bilateral ties and expand cooperation in trade, transit, and security. They also agreed to remain engaged to unlock the full potential of regional economic development, including through the realisation of trans-regional connectivity projects like the UAP Railway Corridor.
